Abstract:
This study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition
of surface waters in the Turkestan region and their impact on regional landscapes. The
primary objective of the research is to systematically evaluate the level of chemical pollution
in the region’s water resources and determine its indirect effects on landscape-ecological
stability. In August 2024, water samples from eight sampling points (S1–S8) were analyzed
for 24 physicochemical parameters, including total hardness (mg*eq/L), pH, dry residue
(mg/L), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), total salinity (mg/L), Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr,
Ti, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn, SO4
2−, and C6H5OH. To determine the degree of
pollution, variational-statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), as well as
the calculation of the OIP, NPI, and HPI indices were performed. For land use and land
cover change (LULC) analysis, LULC classification was carried out based on Landsat data
from 2000 to 2020, forming the basis for land resource management and planning. The
research results showed a deterioration in the ecological condition of water resources and
an increasing anthropogenic impact. Specifically, at point S8, the concentration of Al was
found to be 56 times higher than the maximum allowable limit, while the concentration of
Fe was 42 times higher. High levels of pollution were also recorded at points S1, S4, S5, and
S6, where the increase in Al and Na concentrations caused a sharp rise in the OIP value. The
main factors influencing water pollution include industrial effluents, agricultural waste,
and irrigation drainage waters. The pollution’s negative impact on regional landscapes has
led to issues related to the distribution of vegetation, soil fertility, and landscape stability. To
improve the current ecological situation and restore natural balance, the phytoremediation
method is proposed. The research results will serve as the foundation for developing water
resource management strategies for the Turkestan region and making informed decisions
aimed at ensuring ecological sustainability
